The late pop star John Denver is legend in these parts and not just because he shared a name with our state capital.

With sharp — and sometimes cloying — precision, his music captured the mountain spirit of his day: Freewheeling, sentimental, optimistic.

Denver was also a photographer, toting his camera along on concert tours, backpacking trips and jaunts around the globe, and his visual work, on display at Leon Gallery, shares some of that same tone. It has what you’d expect from the author of chart toppers like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Sunshine On My Shoulders” — scenes of nature, up close and personal and people, near and far.

Denver’s photo are at Leon Gallery, through March 3. Images from Leon Gallery.

The photos are colorful and sunny, like his songs. If you can’t help but hum along to “Rocky Mountain High,” this exhibit of his work is for you.

Through March 3, Leon Gallery, 1112 East 17th Ave. Info at 303-832-1599 or leongallery.com

It’s hard to pin down actual calendar dates for the massive event to be known as the “Month of Photography” across the region. That makes sense when you realize that “MOP” is a coordinated effort featuring scores of galleries, museums, schools and individual artists.

Officially, it’s billed as “March-April” but a few places are getting a head start, exhibiting some amazing work.